My book club decided to read another Lorna Landvik book called Oh My Stars. We had a very lively discussion because the book was fast moving and fascinating! The story follows Violet , a young girl growing up in the Depression and follows her incredible life and adventures. From a horrible childhood, a terrible accident, an unexpected meeting with two musicians who change her life, and Violet’s blossoming to an intelligent, savvy, humorous and compassionate woman the story moves quickly and is absolutely riveting. None of us could put it down until we finished it!
GG
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons by Lorna Landvik
Last year my Book Club read Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons by Lorna Landvik and we all loved it. If follows a disparate group of neighbor women in Minnesota who form lasting friendships, due to the formation of their own book club! They discover that they all like reading, especially during those long, cold Minnesota winters and come together once a month to discuss books. Over the years, these five women, who are all as different from each other as can be, share their lives, heartaches, and joys with each other. One woman had an underprivileged background and when violence unexpectedly touches her neighbor, she reacts quickly to save her friend. Her childhood survival instincts kicked in and past secrets are revealed.
GG
GG
Monday, September 8, 2008
The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
Just when you think that you know what the "choice" is that Gabby Holland must make, the narrative skips ahead 11 years to a crucial choice that Travis Parker must make. Sparks conveys the glow of happy memories in describing the picnic and parasailing day Gabby and Travis have together. He also knows the draining emotional experience of waiting at a loved ones hospital bedside. A light, quick read. Janice Sherman
Disposable People by Kevin Bales
The subtitle tells it all: New Slavery in the Global Economy.
Slavery has existed since mankind formed agricultural settlements. Modern slavery differs from older forms of slavery in that legal ownership is avoided, very low purchase cost is combined with very high profits, there is a surplus of potential slaves, the relationship is short term, the slaves are disposable (the "owner" take no responsibility for maintaining the health of the "slaves"), and ethnic differences are not important. One chapter is devoted to slavery in each of the following countries: Thailand, Mauritania, Brazil, Pakistan, and India. Of course, officially slavery does not exist. In India, for example, we find "attached" workers. This is a grim topic but the writing is fluid. A disturbing view of the hopeless lives that far too many people are born into.
Janice Sherman
Slavery has existed since mankind formed agricultural settlements. Modern slavery differs from older forms of slavery in that legal ownership is avoided, very low purchase cost is combined with very high profits, there is a surplus of potential slaves, the relationship is short term, the slaves are disposable (the "owner" take no responsibility for maintaining the health of the "slaves"), and ethnic differences are not important. One chapter is devoted to slavery in each of the following countries: Thailand, Mauritania, Brazil, Pakistan, and India. Of course, officially slavery does not exist. In India, for example, we find "attached" workers. This is a grim topic but the writing is fluid. A disturbing view of the hopeless lives that far too many people are born into.
Janice Sherman
Lethally Blonde by Kate White (Mystery)
Bailey Weggins, former crime reporter, now works for a Hollywood gossip magazine, specializing in "celebrity crime". The New York City setting is described in such detail that you could follow in Bailey's footsteps the next time you visit. Her romantic dilemma, choosing between the handsome, young, hunk and the possible soul-mate,documentary film director vies with the murder mystery for the reader's attention. Light weight mystery with an interesting heroine.
Janice Sherman
Janice Sherman